The first lady from 1989 to 1993 had been in failing health for some time and had declined further medical treatment.

Her son Jeb Bush, Florida's ex-governor, drew laughs from the crowd in a eulogy at the church where his parents have worshipped since the 1950s.

The 2016 presidential candidate said he knew what his "role model" mother would say to him if she were there, which included "keep it short" and "don't get weepy".

Historian and author Jon Meacham and friend Susan Baker, the wife of former Secretary of State James Baker, also shared stories of Mrs Bush's sharp tongue, fierce devotion to her family and charming humour.

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Media captionBarbara Bush, matriarch of US political dynasty, died at 92

US President Donald Trump decided against attending the invite-only service, saying in a statement that his absence was "to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family".

Security was tight ahead the funeral service, which started at 11:00 local time (16:00 GMT), with secret service agents standing watch over Mrs Bush's coffin, and bomb-sniffing dogs checking media equipment.

Following the ceremony, Mrs Bush was buried on the grounds of the George HW Bush Library and Museum at Texas A&M University in College Station, next to her daughter, Robin, who died of leukaemia, aged 3.